The Number Of Electoral Votes Won By The Republican Candidates In Presidential Elections From 1960-2016
Introduction
The United States presidential election is a complex process that involves multiple factors, including the number of electoral votes each candidate receives. In this article, we will explore the number of electoral votes won by Republican candidates in presidential elections from 1960 to 2016. We will examine the historical context, the role of electoral votes, and the impact of these votes on the outcome of the election.
The Role of Electoral Votes
Electoral votes are a crucial aspect of the United States presidential election process. Each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes based on its population, with a total of 538 electoral votes available. The candidate who wins the most votes in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes, except in Maine and Nebraska, which allocate their electoral votes proportionally.
Republican Candidates and Electoral Votes
In the presidential elections from 1960 to 2016, the Republican Party has nominated several candidates who have won electoral votes. Here is a breakdown of the number of electoral votes won by Republican candidates in each election:
1960
- Richard Nixon: 219 electoral votes
- Nelson Rockefeller: 0 electoral votes (as a candidate, but won 1 electoral vote as a vice presidential candidate)
In the 1960 presidential election, Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate, won 219 electoral votes. However, he lost the popular vote to Democratic candidate John F. Kennedy.
1964
- Barry Goldwater: 52 electoral votes
In the 1964 presidential election, Barry Goldwater, the Republican candidate, won 52 electoral votes. He lost the popular vote to Democratic candidate Lyndon B. Johnson.
1968
- Richard Nixon: 301 electoral votes
- Hubert Humphrey: 191 electoral votes
In the 1968 presidential election, Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate, won 301 electoral votes. He defeated Democratic candidate Hubert Humphrey in the popular vote.
1972
- Richard Nixon: 520 electoral votes
- George McGovern: 17 electoral votes
In the 1972 presidential election, Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate, won 520 electoral votes. He defeated Democratic candidate George McGovern in the popular vote.
1976
- Gerald Ford: 240 electoral votes
- Jimmy Carter: 297 electoral votes
In the 1976 presidential election, Gerald Ford, the Republican candidate, won 240 electoral votes. However, he lost the popular vote to Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter.
1980
- Ronald Reagan: 489 electoral votes
- Jimmy Carter: 49 electoral votes
In the 1980 presidential election, Ronald Reagan, the Republican candidate, won 489 electoral votes. He defeated Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter in the popular vote.
1984
- Ronald Reagan: 525 electoral votes
- Walter Mondale: 13 electoral votes
In the 1984 presidential election, Ronald Reagan, the Republican candidate, won 525 electoral votes. He defeated Democratic candidate Walter Mondale in the popular vote.
1988
- George H.W. Bush: 426 electoral votes
- Michael Dukakis: 111 electoral votes
In the 1988 presidential election, George H.W. Bush, the Republican candidate, won 426 electoral votes. He defeated Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis in the popular vote.
1992
- George H.W. Bush: 168 electoral votes
- Bill Clinton: 370 electoral votes
In the 1992 presidential election, George H.W. Bush, the Republican candidate, won 168 electoral votes. However, he lost the popular vote to Democratic candidate Bill Clinton.
1996
- Bob Dole: 159 electoral votes
- Bill Clinton: 379 electoral votes
In the 1996 presidential election, Bob Dole, the Republican candidate, won 159 electoral votes. However, he lost the popular vote to Democratic candidate Bill Clinton.
2000
- George W. Bush: 271 electoral votes
- Al Gore: 266 electoral votes
In the 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush, the Republican candidate, won 271 electoral votes. However, he lost the popular vote to Democratic candidate Al Gore.
2004
- George W. Bush: 286 electoral votes
- John Kerry: 251 electoral votes
In the 2004 presidential election, George W. Bush, the Republican candidate, won 286 electoral votes. He defeated Democratic candidate John Kerry in the popular vote.
2008
- John McCain: 173 electoral votes
- Barack Obama: 365 electoral votes
In the 2008 presidential election, John McCain, the Republican candidate, won 173 electoral votes. However, he lost the popular vote to Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
2012
- Mitt Romney: 206 electoral votes
- Barack Obama: 332 electoral votes
In the 2012 presidential election, Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate, won 206 electoral votes. However, he lost the popular vote to Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
2016
- Donald Trump: 304 electoral votes
- Hillary Clinton: 227 electoral votes
In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, won 304 electoral votes. He defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the popular vote.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of electoral votes won by Republican candidates in presidential elections from 1960 to 2016 has varied significantly. While some Republican candidates have won a majority of the electoral votes, others have lost the popular vote. The role of electoral votes in the presidential election process is complex and has a significant impact on the outcome of the election.
References
- Federal Election Commission. (2020). Presidential Election Results.
- National Archives. (2020). Presidential Election Results.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1960.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1964.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1968.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1972.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1976.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1980.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1984.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1988.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1992.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 1996.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 2000.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 2004.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 2008.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 2012.
- Wikipedia. (2020). United States presidential election, 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Number of Electoral Votes Won by Republican Candidates in Presidential Elections from 1960-2016 =====================================================================================================================
Q: What is the significance of electoral votes in the United States presidential election process?
A: Electoral votes are a crucial aspect of the United States presidential election process. Each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes based on its population, with a total of 538 electoral votes available. The candidate who wins the most votes in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes, except in Maine and Nebraska, which allocate their electoral votes proportionally.
Q: How many electoral votes did Republican candidates win in the 1960 presidential election?
A: In the 1960 presidential election, Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate, won 219 electoral votes.
Q: Which Republican candidate won the most electoral votes in the 1980 presidential election?
A: In the 1980 presidential election, Ronald Reagan, the Republican candidate, won 489 electoral votes.
Q: How many electoral votes did Republican candidates win in the 2012 presidential election?
A: In the 2012 presidential election, Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate, won 206 electoral votes.
Q: What is the difference between a popular vote and an electoral vote?
A: A popular vote is the total number of votes cast for a candidate in an election, while an electoral vote is a vote cast by an elector in the Electoral College to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.
Q: How many electoral votes does a state need to win the presidency?
A: A candidate needs to win at least 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
Q: Which states have the most electoral votes?
A: The top five states with the most electoral votes are:
- California - 55 electoral votes
- Texas - 38 electoral votes
- Florida - 29 electoral votes
- New York - 29 electoral votes
- Pennsylvania - 20 electoral votes
Q: Can a candidate win the presidency without winning the popular vote?
A: Yes, it is possible for a candidate to win the presidency without winning the popular vote. This has happened five times in U.S. history:
- 1824: John Quincy Adams vs. Andrew Jackson
- 1876: Rutherford B. Hayes vs. Samuel J. Tilden
- 1888: Benjamin Harrison vs. Grover Cleveland
- 2000: George W. Bush vs. Al Gore
- 2016: Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton
Q: What is the Electoral College?
A: The Electoral College is a group of electors chosen by each state to cast votes for President and Vice President of the United States. The number of electors is equal to the number of members each state has in the House of Representatives plus the number of Senators.
Q: How are electors chosen?
A: Electors are typically chosen by each state's political parties. They are usually party loyalists who are expected to vote for the party's candidate.
Q: Can electors change their vote?
A: Yes, electors can change their vote, but it is rare. In some cases, electors have changed their vote to support a different candidate.
Q: What happens if there is a tie in the Electoral College?
A: If there is a tie in the Electoral College, the House of Representatives chooses the President, with each state delegation casting one vote. The Senate chooses the Vice President, with each Senator casting one vote.
Q: Can a candidate win the presidency without winning the most electoral votes?
A: Yes, it is possible for a candidate to win the presidency without winning the most electoral votes. This has happened in the event of a tie in the Electoral College, where the House of Representatives chooses the President.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of electoral votes won by Republican candidates in presidential elections from 1960 to 2016 has varied significantly. Understanding the significance of electoral votes and the Electoral College is crucial in understanding the U.S. presidential election process.